PARENTS Profile January 2014

Rick Blangiardi, General Manager News Now KGMB (CBS) and KHNL (NBC)

Mr. Blangiardi began his broadcast career in 1977. After seven years, and ascending through the ranks, Blangiardi took over the reins of a then defunct , KIKU, and rebranded it to become KHNL. Within six years, it became one of the leading television stations in the country, dubbed the “National Champ of Local Sports Broadcasting,” with its innovative and extensive contract to televise over 100 UH sporting events annually.

He is a recognized leading television broadcaster who has been an executive in the television industry for over 35 years, succeeding in senior executive positions in many of the nation’s most competitive markets, including: Seattle (VP & GM, KING5 Television), (CBS Television Network), San Francisco (VP & GM, KPIX 5 Television), St. Louis (Group President), and . Prior to returning to Hawai’i, Blangiardi was President of Holdings Inc., based in Los Angeles, and was responsible for the operations and turnaround of Telemundo’s 11 owned and operated stations throughout major markets in the United States and Puerto Rico. Blangiardi helped lead the sale of Telemundo in 2001 to NBC for 2.7 billion dollars, the largest deal in NBC’s history by a factor of four!

In the market, Blangiardi was the Senior Vice President & GM of both KHON2 (Fox Affiliate) and KGMB9 (CBS Affiliate) from 2002 through the sale of KHON2 in 2006. Blangiardi became the General Manager of – KGMB (CBS) and KHNL (NBC) in 2009 at the time of its formation.

In 2011, Blangiardi was recognized by the Sales and Marketing Executives International (Honolulu Chapter) as the “2010 Salesperson of the Year.” This award is presented annually by SMEI to an individual who has enhanced the image of Hawai’i and the quality of life in our community.

Blangiardi has a Masters in Education (M.Ed) from the University of Hawai’i. He actively participates as a Director for local organizations such as The Hawai’i Food Bank, The American Red Cross-Hawaii Chapter, Public Schools of Hawai’i Foundation, and the Hawai’i Theater Center, and he currently holds the office of President for the Aloha Council Boy Scouts of America. Blangiardi’s past affiliations include: Chairman, Chamber of Commerce of Hawai’i: Director, Central Pacific Bank: President, Na Koa UH Football: Director, Executive Committee, Koa Anuenue, Chaminade Board of Regents and Hogan Entrepreneur Advisory Board Member.